Liver Cirrhosis in Florida

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The liver is an organ that performs several critical functions in the body, such as filtering harmful toxins from the blood and metabolizing fat. Cirrhosis of the liver, also referred to as hepatic cirrhosis, is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed and scarred due to issues like late-stage liver disease and alcoholism. As further scar tissue develops, liver function continually decreases. The different levels of severity surrounding liver cirrhosis are categorized into four distinct stages.

Stage 1: There is some scarring of liver tissue but not a lot of symptoms and no complications have developed.

Stage 2: Additional symptoms occur, such as swollen and enlarged veins and high blood pressure within the portal vein in the liver (portal hypertension).

Stage 3: Symptoms in this stage involve abdominal swelling and advanced scarring of liver tissue, along with significant complications and the potential for liver failure.

Stage 4: At this stage, liver cirrhosis can lead to death without a liver transplant.

At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida our GI providers can diagnose, treat, and help manage liver issues. To get help for liver cirrhosis in Florida, request a consultation at a location near you today.

There are a variety of factors that can cause liver damage, leading to cirrhosis. Some of the causes include the following:

  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Sugar metabolism disorders
  • Excessive body fat
  • Abnormal formation of bile ducts
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Infection
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Liver disease caused by autoimmune hepatitis
  • Viral liver infections (hepatitis B & C)
  • Damage to the bile ducts
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
  • Iron buildup in the body
  • Certain medications
  • Genetic GI conditions

If you begin to develop liver issues and require assistance, connect with our GI providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Florida. Our skill and expertise can guide you in the ideal direction for individualized care.

The early stages of liver cirrhosis may be asymptomatic. However, some of the initial signs that you may notice include exhaustion, physical weakness, and decreased appetite. If cirrhosis of the liver continues to progress, the signs could involve:

  • Swelling in the legs
  • Brown-colored urine
  • Sudden weight gain or loss
  • Itchiness
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin)
  • Bleed or bruise easily
  • Nausea
  • Spider web-like veins
  • Muscle cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Blood in the stool
  • Red palms

Liver damage and scarring cannot usually be reversed; however, the liver can still function and bounce back even if two-thirds of the organ has been removed or damaged. Here are several of the treatment protocols that the Gastroenterology Associates of Florida team might recommend to boost liver function:

  • Immunization for hepatitis A and B
  • Liver transplant
  • Antiviral medications for hepatitis B and C
  • Prevention of additional damage to the liver
  • Avoiding taking certain medications (i.e., naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.)
  • Addressing the specific issues surrounding your condition

What are the complications of liver cirrhosis?

The liver plays a highly critical role in the body, and any amount of injury or damage suffered by the liver will negatively affect its normal functions. Possible health complications of cirrhosis of the liver involve:

  • Hypersplenism (overactive spleen function)
  • Bacterial peritonitis (an inflamed abdominal wall)
  • Liver cancer
  • Hepatic encephalopathy (a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream that causes brain damage)
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Cirrhosis of the liver can affect your health and life in various ways. At Gastroenterology Associates of Florida, we want to help you discover a life where further liver damage can be prevented. To find treatment for liver cirrhosis in Florida, request an appointment with one of our skilled providers as soon as possible.

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